Jeffco Open Space wants its new master plan to do more than just collect dust.

The plan, which gets an overhaul every five years, will include a set of benchmarks to help the Open Space Division see if it’s meeting stated goals. Previous master plans have lacked goals and objectives that could be measured, said Jeffco Parks and Open Space Director Tom Hoby.

By John E. Watson
The mission of the Evergreen Park & Recreation District is to improve the quality of life of the Evergreen community by providing a wide range of excellent, financially responsible park and recreation amenities and programs while maintaining and enhancing the area’s mountain character.

After spending two months trying to come up with a single argument that there is any reason for 10 counties in northeast Colorado to form the state of Northern Colorado, I’ve come up with a reason. It’s not particularly compelling, but it’s something. They’ve already got their state university. The university in Greeley is called the University of Northern Colorado.

I heard some elk bugling last week when the moon was full. This wasn’t a real challenge call by the “king of the valley” but just a few youngsters — probably yearlings — trying out their calls, not understanding what they were doing but stirred by the moonlight and the distant calls of other elk far, far away.

EVERGREEN – Both Dakota Ridge and Evergreen have new coaches in 2013. That, however, is where the similarities ended, at least on Aug. 22.

One team – Evergreen – was coming off a commanding victory over Thornton in its opener. The other – Dakota Ridge – just squeezed out a win over Legend. But, in this one, it was Dakota Ridge from the start.

Joe Danni wasn’t completely sure, but the Evergreen senior defensive back thought the Weld Central receiver had the ball. Then Danni ripped it out, turned and ran. Ninety yards later, he was in the opposite end zone. It was that kind of night for the Evergreen Cougars.

The new owners of a bakery in Marshdale want it to have a local European pastry shop feel.

The Village Patisserie at 6947 County Highway 73, owned by David and Sara Knight, offers a selection of delectable treats, jellies and jams — and homemade ice cream on Sundays — plus a smattering of local artwork. Decorated cakes from the elegant to the unusual also can be ordered.

The shop is open Wednesday through Sunday. Saturday is bread-baking day, and on Sundays everything in the display case is 50 percent off.